In an unusual move by the State Department, a “Global Caution” Travel Alert was issued on May 17, warning of “an increased risk of violence inspired by foreign terrorist organizations against LGBTQI+ individuals and events.” The general global warning for U.S. citizens traveling abroad comes ahead of Pride Month and advises travelers to “remain vigilant in locations frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations and locations frequented by LGBTQI+ individuals.”
The general advice is different from the norm Department of State Issuancesthat rank the safety levels associated with travel to specific countries on a scale from Level 1 (“Take normal precautions”) to Level 4 (“Do not travel”). An equally broad scale worldwide travel advisories The last message issued in October warned against protests or violent actions against American citizens and interests amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
The latest alert “seems broader than anything we’ve seen, but it’s also another reminder that LGBTQ+ travelers are targets in some parts of the world,” said John Tanzella, the travel agency’s president and CEO. International Gay and Lesbian Tourism Association (IGLTA), tells Condé Nast Traveler.
The notice comes exactly one week after the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security posted a public service announcement Foreign terrorist organizations could target upcoming Pride rallies in June (the FBI did not distinguish between domestic and international threats in its May 10 announcement). The State Department did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
“Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to hear warnings for LGBTQI+ travellers these days,” says Miles Mitchinson, owner of a gay adventure travel agency Detoursreferring to last summer Canadian Council against travel to certain areas of the United States and UK warnings last month, about discrimination in some areas of Greece.
How LGBTQ+ Travelers Can Stay Safe
“Traveling as an LGBTQ+ person always carries some degree of risk,” says IGLTA’s Tanzella. “This is the reality of our world, with over 60 countries criminalizing our relationships and an increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation around the world.”
Despite these challenges, he adds that it is “crucial not to let fear completely stifle travel,” noting that the community should “prioritize vigilance” when traveling, especially during Pride month.
The State Department's advisory suggests that U.S. travelers register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)which sends alerts in precarious situations and can inform the local embassy of your location in the event of an emergency. State Department social media sites, such as Facebook And X (formerly Twitter)also provide real-time updates.
Both Tanzella and Mitchinson say it’s important for LGBTQ+ travelers to research the laws and cultural norms of their travel destination before they leave. Country-specific guides to regulations around the world can be found on the State Department’s website under each country’s travel page, in the “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” section, which has a subsection with resources specifically for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Furthermore, Mitchinson suggests that International Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association Travel Map as another trusted resource. Planning trips with LGBTQ+ travel experts (IGLTA’s network includes more than 13,000 travel professionals) can also offer travelers an added level of assurance, Tanzella says. He adds that people attending large-scale Pride events in June can also reach out to event organizers with questions about safety measures.
“We’ve long been a community whose first instinct isn’t necessarily to retreat, hide, or cancel all travel plans,” Mitchinson says. By connecting to trusted resources, staying up-to-date with current events, and following tips to stay vigilant, he says individuals can make decisions that best fit their own risk tolerance.
Tanzella agrees with this advice for LGBTQ+ travelers: “Don’t be afraid of the world, but always seek information specific to your travels.”
